Watch CBS News

Frances McDormand of 'Good People' Tough To Beat In Tony 'Best Actress' Category

Broadway Opening After Party Of "Enron"
Cast members Stephen Kunken, Marin Mazzie and Norbert Leo Butz appear on stage for curtain call at the Broadway opening of 'Enron' at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 27, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Getty Images)

WCBS 880′s Jim Taylor shares his thoughts on Broadway and the 2011 Tony Awards. He will be blogging about his picks and predictions on the nominees up until the awards on June 12.

Best Actress In A Play

"Good People" Opening Night - After Party
Actress Frances McDormand attends the 'Good People' opening night party at B.B. King Blues Club & Grill on March 3, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images)

Best performance by an actress in a leading role in a play definitely should belong to the previously mentioned Frances McDormand in Good People. She is remarkable, and I buy every performance she's in.

But you know who else knocks me out? Nina Arianda in her Broadway debut as Judy Holiday role in Born Yesterday -- a star is born, I think.

Lily Rabe and Hannah Yelland were both fine in Merchant of Venice and Brief Encounter, respectively, but both shows closed sometime ago.

That just leaves Vanessa Redgrave in Driving Miss Daisy -- and she may never be counted out.

Best Actor In A Play, Best Actor In A Musical

"Catch Me If You Can" Broadway Rehearsal Sneak Peek
Cast member Norbert Leo Butz (L) performs with the cast of 'Catch Me If You Can' at the Broadway rehearsal Sneak Peek at The New 42nd Street Studios on February 10, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Janette Pellegrini/Getty Images)

Significantly, Redgrave's co-star James Earl Jones is not nominated. Neither is Robin Williams, the eponymous character of Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo.

Snubbed as well: Daniel Radcliffe for his earnest performance in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

But for best performance by an actor in a leading role in a musical, it's got to be Catch Me If You Can's Norbert Leo Butz doesn't it? When he's on stage, Catch Me sizzles. When he's not, we're waiting for him to return.

Broadway Buzz Archive:

Tony Nominees 2011 Announced

Let's Talk About The Plays

For the latest on NYC's entertainment scene, follow us on Twitter!

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.